Malaybalay City, Bukidnon --- Being fully informed with the world of work means greater employment opportunities. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-X), through its Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (Buk PFO) in partnership with the Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) and educational institutions conducted a series Labor Education training/orientations to 1,198 Grade 12 and graduating College Students, this province.

DOLE-X Buk PFO Chief Raul L. Valmores assured that majority if not all of the graduating students from both private and public schools in Bukidnon have attended the labor education seminars.

“The program is aimed to prepare graduating students as soon-to-be joiners of the labor force able to venture productive and remunerative jobs after graduation. By then, students composing our future labor force are guided how to make themselves productive and competent for stable jobs,” Valmores added.

Participating schools in the province include: Philippine Countryville College, Mountain View College, Kitaotao National Highschool, Alae National High School and Valencia National High School.

Mountain View College Guidance Director Ester P. Mojica appreciated the seminars given by the office said, “By giving orientations and seminars to our graduates, the future workers will not only be kept abreast with the current jobs available in the labor market, but also familiar with the rights and obligations of both employers and workers. In addition, the pre-employment orientation bolster students’ confidence and gain competence during job interviews.”

“The phrase, students can land the best job if given the right information and chances, got my attention at the start of the seminar. Truly, finding the best job would be a great feat for us new graduates and having the appropriate knowledge of the world of work before we graduate is our best weapon,” Mountain View College student Lyka Calvez said. She is expected to graduate this year in Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

“Attending the seminar made me realize that even after graduation, I still have to qualify and upgrade my skills and learning in school so that this could help me attain success in my chosen career,” Calvez added.

Labor Education for Graduating Students (LEGS) seminar includes the discussion on updated Labor Market Information, highlighting in-demand and hard to fill jobs available in the labor market. Employment guide for students and jobseekers was also presented during the seminar. It also includes the discussion of rights and responsibilities of workers and employers as well as brief orientation on General Labor Standard and Occupational Safety and Health Standards.

The seminars given to Grade 12 and College Students enabled them to prepare themselves as soon-to-be entrants to the labor force. This will help the students become acquainted with DOLE’s services on employment facilitation, workers’ protection and social security coverage of the employees.